My Catt Experiment

[nabakov5]

So I got tired of trying to figure out what potting medium works for what plant based on other people's experience. It was just too confusing and everyone seems to have their own thing. So I decided to do a Catt experiment. Here are three catt's potted in three mediums: moss, aliflor and coconut husks. All other conditions (light, watering, flower pots) are constant, so I should get a good idea of which one is the winner. It's too early to tell who is happy and who is sad, but I'll keep you updated as to the progress. Of course, any opinions are welcome. I'd love to hear what you think about the project.

[nabakov5]

Oh, and speaking of cattleyas, here's my first catt bloom I bought this little girl about four months ago with no buds...no nothing. I've basically left her alone except for feedings and the occasional tango. Isn't she lovely. Sorry for the weird pic.

[wogga]

nabakov - i would not recommend keeping the same watering setup for the sphag as you would use in aliflor or coconut, as they will dry out faster, yet the sphag will retain a great deal more of that water. dont want to get the root rot. just my 0.02

[clintdawley]

Your catt. bloom looks like a Toshie Aoki or similar to me. Very nice.

I've tried the catt. experiment as well. Over the last three/four years, in my opinion, Hydroton/Alifor is the best media..especially if you have cold winters (cold + wet = rot). If you let the one in spag get cold, it will probably die. The one in bark or whatever will need repotting every couple/three years and will be set back a bit..the one in alifor can be "potted on" and the plant doesn't skip a beat.

[clintdawley]

In my opinion as well, the coconut husk holds moisture for way to long for catts--save that stuff for your onc. intergenerics.

[catfan]

Put the cat and sphag in a pourous clay pot, and you might have something, but the sphag will not dry out fast enough in a glazed pot, and the roots will rot...

[nabakov5]

I know what you guys mean about the moss. I don't water that one nearly as much. The pots are glazed on the outside but not glazed entirely, so there is a little bit of absorption going on. Thanks for the advice on the temperatures. I deal with very cold winters, so that is good to know. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

[Tikva]

Every poet is a thief...
Hi :c)
Neat experiment. I look forward to hearing about it :c)
K

[clintdawley]

Now I'm curious..what is that colorful Lite Brite looking thing on one of your shelves?

[wogga]

looks like a multicolor painted pinecone